CGH Earth expands into Eastern Himalayas with Kurseong, Kalimpong properties

CGH Earth is extending its reach into the Eastern Himalayas, representing the hospitality brand’s inaugural step outside its long‑standing South India base. After launching in Kurseong, West Bengal, with The Singell Tea Estate, the group is now gearing up to deepen its footprint in the area through a forthcoming property in Kalimpong.

This growth reflects CGH Earth’s commitment to delivering place‑based hospitality that highlights the ecology, culture, and community of each location.

Michael Dominic, CEO & MD, CGH Earth Experience Hotels, said, “At CGH Earth we have long held that travel gains true meaning when it is tightly woven into the spirit of a place. Moving into the Eastern Himalayas is a natural progression of that belief. The region’s extraordinary ecological variety, cultural wealth, and heritage present a superb chance to craft experiences that are immersive, genuine, and firmly rooted in the landscape.”

George Joseph, Vice President, Operations – CGH Earth, said, “For more than thirty years, CGH Earth has molded hospitality around the principle that every destination should depart richer than it arrived. Grounded in conservation, cultural heritage, and community collaboration, this ethos will shape both the Kurseong and Kalimpong projects.”

He added, “From mist‑shrouded plantation strolls and engaging tea‑factory tours to village walks, riverside picnics, tea tastings, and intimate storytelling moments, Singell Tea Estate invites guests to connect deeply with the culture, biodiversity, and leisurely pace of the Eastern Himalayas. The area also ranks among India’s premier bird‑watching spots, celebrated for its rich assortment of Himalayan birds—rufous‑necked hornbills, broadbills, warblers, cuckoos, and many more—making each visit a journey through nature’s vibrant tapestry.”

Located amid the mountains of Kurseong, The Singell Tea Estate marks CGH Earth’s first venture in the region. The property is set within the historic Singell Tea Estate, established in 1871, and has been conceived as a living tea estate experience centred around the heritage of tea, mountain life and the Eastern Himalayan landscape.

The property features 11 rooms across a restored heritage bungalow and a contemporary wing, combining the character of the estate’s colonial heritage with modern comforts.

The estate also offers opportunities for birdwatching, with the region home to Himalayan species including rufous-necked hornbills, broadbills, warblers and cuckoos.

The culinary experience at Singell draws from the food traditions of the Darjeeling hills, sourcing ingredients from the estate, village bari gardens and local haat bazaars.

Seasonal and indigenous ingredients, including gundruk, kinema, Himalayan nettles, silam and buckwheat, are prepared using traditional techniques such as foraging, fermentation, smoking and slow cooking. The cuisine is positioned around authentic bungalow food shaped by local produce and culinary traditions.

Building on The Singell Tea Estate, CGH Earth is preparing to unveil its next property in Kalimpong.

Known for its colonial heritage, cultural traditions, monasteries and Himalayan landscapes, Kalimpong will provide the setting for another destination-led hospitality experience aligned with CGH Earth’s focus on responsible and experiential travel.

The two properties mark a new geographical chapter for CGH Earth as the group takes its hospitality philosophy from Southern India into the Eastern Himalayan region.